Django Unchained star dies from cancer at 53 as Jamie Foxx pays touching tribute

05 October 2023 , 19:12

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Jamie Foxx's Django Unchained co-star Keith Jefferson has died

Actor Keith Jefferson has died from cancer at the age of 53.

Jamie Foxx delivered the news in a heartbreaking tribute. He wrote on Instagram : This one hurts. Keith, you’ve been nothing but absolute grace, your whole life your heart is pure your love is immeasurable you were an amazing soul. We will all miss you dearly. It’s gonna take a long time for this to heal. Goodbye, my friend. I love you."

Keith starred alongside Jamie in the 2012 movie Django Unchained. However, the duo's friendship started long before that in college. "Every since we met back in college, you have been in incredible soul God rest, NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE TO SEE THE WORDS ABOUT MY FRIEND RIP Keith," added Jamie in a second tribute post with a photo of the two gripping each other's hands in respect.

Read More: Jamie Foxx says he's 'back and better' after 'dark days' amid his 'medical complication'

Keith was issued a health update on August 9 (iamjamiefoxx/Instagram)

Originally, Keith was not planning to share his cancer diagnosis (Getty Images)

He said: "Everything hurts right now having a hard time looking through these pictures reliving the memories of us having a great time going to miss you man gonna miss you."

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Keith was relatively open about his treatment process with fans, but he originally didn't want to share his cancer diagnosis with the world. On August 9, he explained: "When I was first diagnosed with cancer I had to stop, pause , and didn’t want to share with anyone. Not my family nor extended family."

Ultimately, his faith and family gave him the courage to be more transparent about his journey. The actor and producer later made a post giving a special shoutout to Jamie. "J Foxx…you already know. For you to take the time to spend with me everyday every hour tells me everything I already know. You are my family and I wouldn’t have it no other way. Luv you bro," he said.

Keith Jefferson played Pudgy Ralph in Django Unchained (Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures, The Weinstein Company)

At the time, he was optimistic about battling the cancer and continued to post about his projects which were actively being released. He wrote: "I will pull thru because my faith is strong and with God on my side I won’t worry."

Prior to his recent passing, he posted about projects which were actively being released alongside his battle. Keith enthusiastically shared his role in the new Madden 24 game which featured NFL player Josh Allen. In the game, Keith played Mr. Hunter Vice President of the San Francisco 49ers.

His last post before his death was a clip from The Burial which he starred in alongside Jamie and Tommy Lee Jones. The film is set to release October 13 on Amazon Prime.

Alex West